Job Description Template: Account Executive
This template helps Swiss employers write a clear Account Executive job ad. It covers the role's core purpose—driving revenue through client relationships—plus responsibilities, hard and soft requirements, and what to offer in compensation and benefits. Adapt the Pensum percentage, canton, and language requirements to your business.
An Account Executive manages and grows a portfolio of client accounts, turning prospect relationships into closed deals and long-term partnerships. Use this template to attract candidates who combine sales drive with relationship-building skill.
Swiss employers: name your canton or city (e.g. Zurich, Basel-Stadt), state the Pensum as a percentage (e.g. 80–100%), and specify language requirements in the 'Requirements' section below. For roles serving German-speaking and French-speaking clients, note both as essential.
Role Overview: What the Account Executive Does
The Account Executive owns the client relationship from first contact through contract signature, renewal, and expansion. They qualify leads, present solutions tailored to client needs, negotiate terms, and close deals within a defined territory or sector.
Success means hitting revenue targets while building trust with clients. The role balances proactive outreach (prospecting, cold calls, emails) with reactive support (responding to inbound enquiries, handling objections, and nurturing warm leads passed from marketing).
- Manage a portfolio of 20–50 active accounts, depending on deal size and sales cycle
- Prospect, qualify, and pitch to new leads using CRM tools and your own research
- Prepare proposals, negotiate contracts, and close deals within your authority level
- Track pipeline and forecast revenue weekly; report to the sales manager
- Renew and expand existing accounts; identify upsell and cross-sell opportunities
- Attend trade shows, networking events, or client visits to build relationships
Must-Have Requirements
Look for candidates with proven sales experience—ideally 2–4 years in a similar B2B or B2C role. They must understand the sales process, CRM software, and how to read a balance sheet or contract.
Soft skills matter as much as hard ones: resilience (rejection is normal), communication (clarity on the phone and in writing), and honesty (building trust, not pushing unsuitable deals).
- 2–4 years of sales or account management experience in a relevant sector
- Fluency in the primary language(s) of your market—name the specific languages here (e.g. German, French, or both)
- Proficiency with CRM software (Salesforce, HubSpot, Pipedrive, or your system)
- Comfort with targets, metrics, and weekly/monthly reporting
- Valid driving licence (if your role requires travel within the canton)
- Swiss work permit or EU/EFTA citizenship (legal requirement)
Nice-to-Have Requirements & What We Offer
Candidates with industry-specific knowledge (e.g. software, manufacturing, insurance) or existing client networks are faster to ramp. A background in customer success or support also helps—they already know how to listen.
In your 'What We Offer' section, be concrete: name your base salary (or range in CHF), bonus structure (e.g. 10–20% of base), 13th month (if you give one), and any non-cash benefits. Include Pensum (e.g. 80–100%), location, and training budget. If flexible working, remote days, or career progression is part of your pitch, state it clearly.
- Industry experience or a warm client network in your sector
- Certification or training in sales methodologies (SPIN, Sandler, etc.)
- Previous success hitting or exceeding targets by 120% or more
- What we offer: Base salary CHF 60,000–75,000 p.a. + performance bonus (10–20% of base)
- Pensum: 100% (or specify 80–90% if part-time); location: [Canton/City]; 13th month salary; paid holiday 20+ days
- Ongoing training budget, laptop/phone, and commission or bonus reviews quarterly
Frequently asked questions
- Should I ask for a specific number of years of sales experience?
- Yes. Naming 2–4 years sets expectations and filters out candidates who lack basic CRM and deal-closing skills. Adjust the range to match your market and complexity—enterprise deals may need 4–6 years; simple transactional sales may accept 1–2.
- Where do I state language requirements?
- In the 'Must-Have Requirements' section, name the languages explicitly (e.g. 'German and French, both fluent'). If German is essential and French is a plus, say so. Language proficiency is a legal and practical requirement in Switzerland—be clear.
- What salary and bonus should I advertise?
- Research comparable roles in your canton using published surveys (SGB Salary Report, Michael Page, etc.). A typical range is CHF 60,000–85,000 base + 10–25% bonus. Always offer a range, not a fixed figure. Mention the 13th month if you provide one; it's standard but not universal in all sectors.
General information for Swiss employers, not legal advice. Have a lawyer confirm anything with legal consequences.